Experience
Kevin Brinegar, MBA-MPA
Kevin brings a wealth of experience garnered from years of coaching and talent development while leading Indiana’s largest business organization, transforming it into the second-largest state chamber in the nation. With a strong desire to impart his learnings, Kevin is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of leaders through his direct relationships with over 500 business owners, CEOs, and elected officials. Coaching serves as his means to “Pay it forward,” guiding these leaders and their organizations toward unparalleled achievements.
During his remarkable 22-year tenure as the President & CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Kevin spearheaded unprecedented growth, elevating the organization to serve 25,000 members and customers. Under his leadership, annual revenues surged by 170%, and staff size doubled. The Indiana Chamber earned the prestigious recognition as the National Chamber of the Year in 2023, a testament to Kevin’s strategic direction and visionary leadership.
As the chief spokesperson for Indiana’s business community, Kevin led the state’s largest lobbying team, navigating the intricacies of legislative advocacy with finesse and determination. His approach, centered around effective relationship-building, was instrumental in securing significant victories, transforming Indiana’s business landscape into one of the nation’s best. His outstanding service to his state and community twice earned him the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the state’s highest public service award, bestowed by Governors Bayh and Holcomb.
Throughout his tenure, Kevin closely collaborated with top CEOs and business owners, working directly with a different business CEO each year during their term as Chamber board chair. This exposure provided invaluable insights into diverse leadership and communication styles, studying both successful and unsuccessful business and elected leaders. His comprehensive experience culminated in the development of unique beliefs and approaches to successful leadership and coaching.
Kevin’s extensive exposure to diverse individuals enables him to effortlessly engage in conversations with anyone. Recognizing that an organization’s success hinges upon its people, his coaching style is rooted in empathetic listening, fostering trust, and understanding—a principle he deeply values in building client-coach relationships.
With 43 legislative sessions under his belt, Kevin maintains a results-oriented focus, adept at problem-solving and removing obstacles. He is a trusted advisor known for delivering exceptional results with unwavering integrity and strict confidentiality. Believing in the potential for every individual’s growth and success, Kevin, akin to his leadership at the Chamber, guides clients to embrace organizational mission and goals, align with core values, enhance leadership skills, improve team dynamics, and envision their future achievements.
Accountability is paramount in Kevin’s coaching philosophy; he emphasizes the client’s commitment to improvement and success as essential for optimal coaching outcomes. His strengths lie in relationship-building, business development, nurturing successful leaders and teams, and driving results that exceed expectations.
Specializing in guiding leaders transitioning into new roles, Kevin assists in establishing their leadership presence, refining communication skills, fostering staff relationships, delegating responsibilities effectively, and honing strategic thinking. Kevin’s personalized coaching approach revolves around building trust and comfort for a successful coaching journey. By fostering inquiry, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and tracking progress towards set goals, he ensures accountability and facilitates strategies for improved leadership outcomes.
Community, State and National Service and Recognition
- Governor’s Education Roundtable – Founding member representing business
- Dean’s Advisory Council – IU Kelley School of Business
- Dean’s Advisory Council – IU O’Neil School of Public and Environmental Affairs
- Indiana Sports Corporation – Board Member
- Indiana Society of Association Executives – Board Member
- National Association of State Chambers – Board Member and Past Board Chair
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Committee of 100
- Indiana Legal Foundation – Board member
- Indiana Supreme Court – Commercial Courts Task Force Member
- Indiana Revenue Forecast Committee – 20 years
- Government Efficiency Commission
- Indiana Commerce Executives Association – Board Member
- Indiana Business Associations Executives Coalition – Board Chair
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